In regard to the colonies, a sudden abolition would be oppression.  The legislatures there should be led, and not forced, upon this occasion.  He was persuaded they would act wisely to attain the end pointed out to them.  They would see that a natural increase of their negroes might be effected by an improved system of legislation; and that in the result the Slave Trade would be no longer necessary.

A sudden abolition, also, would occasion dissatisfaction there.  Supplies were necessary for some time to come.  The negroes did not yet generally increase by birth.  The gradation of ages was not yet duly filled.  These and many defects might be remedied, but not suddenly.

It would cause, also, distress there.  The planters, not having their expected supplies, could not discharge their debts; hence their slaves would be seized and sold.  Nor was there any provision in this case against the separation of families, except as to the mother and infant child.  These separations were one of the chief outrages complained of in Africa.  Why, then, should we promote them in the West Indies?  The confinement on board a slave-ship had been also bitterly complained of; but, under distraint for the debt of a master, the poor slave might linger in a gaol twice or thrice the time of the Middle Passage.

He again stated his abhorrence of the Slave Trade; but as a resource, though he hoped but a temporary one, it was of such consequence to the existence of the country, that it could not suddenly be withdrawn.  The value, of the imports and exports between Great Britain and the West Indies, including the excise and customs, was between seven and eight millions annually; and the tonnage of the ships employed about an eighth of the whole tonnage of these kingdoms.

He complained that in the evidence the West Indian planters had been by no means spared.  Cruel stories had been hastily and lightly told against them.  Invidious comparisons had been made to their detriment; but it was well known that one of our best comic writers, when he wished to show benevolence in its fairest colours, had personified it in the character of the West Indian.  He wished the slave might become as secure as the apprentice in this country; but it was necessary that the alarms concerning the abolition of the Slave Trade should, in the mean time, be quieted; and he trusted that the good sense and true benevolence of the House would reject the present motion.

Mr. Matthew Montagu rose and said a few words in support of the motion; and after condemning the trade in the strongest manner, he declared, that as long as he had life he would use every faculty of his body and mind in endeavouring to promote its abolition.

Lord John Russell succeeded Mr. Montagu.  He said, that although slavery was repugnant to his feelings, he must vote against the abolition as visionary and delusive.  It was a feeble attempt, without the power, to serve the cause of humanity.  Other nations would take up the trade.  Whenever a bill of wise regulation should be brought forward, no man would be more ready than himself to lend his support.  In this way the rights of humanity might be asserted without injury to others.  He hoped he should not incur censure by his vote; for, let his understanding be what it might, he did not know that he had, notwithstanding the assertions of Mr. Fox, an inaccessible heart.